• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home of English Grammar
  • Home
  • Course
  • Exercises
  • Grammar Rules
  • Matches
  • Posts
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Vocabulary Lists
  • Archives
    • Social Media Posts
    • Writing Guides
  • Sign in
  • Join free

Idioms and phrases exercise

April 18, 2015 C1pdf

Each sentence given below contains an idiom/phrase. From the given alternatives, choose the one that best expresses the meaning of this idiom/phrase.

Progress 0 of 7 answered
1He has the gift of the gab.
Wrong!
The idiom means "He is a good conversationalist."
2Parental property has become a bone of contention between the siblings.
Wrong!
The idiom means "a cause of quarrel."
3Once in a blue moon, we meet each other.
Wrong!
The idiom means "very rarely."
4He has been jobless for several months, and it is his wife who keeps the pot boiling.
Wrong!
The idiom means "earns enough to support the family."
5In the end, he had to eat humble pie.
Wrong!
The idiom means "apologize humbly."
6To be a good orator, you do not have to play to the gallery.
Wrong!
The idiom means "try to win cheap popularity."
7The officer took him to task.
Wrong!
The idiom means "reprimanded him severely."

Exercise complete

0/ out of 7 correct answers
Challenge a friend
More Exercises →

Answers

  1. He has the gift of the gab. — He is a good conversationalist.
  2. Parental property has become a bone of contention between the siblings. — a cause of quarrel
  3. Once in a blue moon, we meet each other. — very rarely
  4. He has been jobless for several months, and it is his wife who keeps the pot boiling. — earns enough to support the family
  5. In the end, he had to eat humble pie. — apologize humbly
  6. To be a good orator, you do not have to play to the gallery. — try to win cheap popularity
  7. The officer took him to task. — reprimanded him severely

Improve your English grammar, vocabulary and writing

We take you step by step from beginner to advanced, even if you struggled with English at school or have always had trouble remembering the rules.

  • 11 modules, 124 lessons and 819 questions
  • Just log in and learn anytime and anywhere
  • Your progress is saved in your account
  • Download the 2027 Grammar Guide (PDF)
Join free

Already have an account? Sign in

See what’s in the course

Primary sidebar

2.4M760.9K165.9K

Free 2027 Grammar Guide

  • Download Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Online grammar course, A1 to C2
  • Weekly exercises and vocabulary
  • Join over 3 million English learners

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in

Grammar Checker - Try Now

Matches rankings

    No results yet. Be the first to finish today’s Daily.

      No results yet. Be the first to finish today’s Daily.

        No results yet. Be the first to finish today’s Daily.

          No results yet. Be the first to finish today’s Daily.

          Play Matches

          Latest posts

          • Why “no offense” often sounds like a warning November 11, 2026
          • 100 Best Synonyms for “Love to” November 11, 2026
          • 100 Best Synonyms for “Pivotal” November 11, 2026
          • Salutary vs. salubrious: benefits, lessons, and health November 11, 2026
          • 100 Best Synonyms for “Setbacks” November 11, 2026
          • Reported Speech Exercise November 11, 2026
          • 100 Best Synonyms for “Sweeping” November 11, 2026
          • 100 Best Synonyms for “Patience” November 11, 2026
          • 100 Best Synonyms for “Isolation” November 11, 2026
          • Agreeing and Disagreeing in Discussions Exercise November 11, 2026
          Home of English Grammar

          Free exercises, a step-by-step grammar course, rules and vocabulary lists, with new exercises every week. Join the leading English grammar site with over 3 million followers.

          Join free

          Learn

          • Exercises
          • Grammar course
          • Level test
          • Matches
          • Grammar rules
          • Vocabulary lists
          • Writing guides
          • Online tools

          More

          • Top social media posts
          • Various posts
          • Contact

          Account

          • Join free
          • Free grammar guide (PDF)

          Copyright © 2026 EnglishGrammar.org

          • Disclaimer
          • Privacy policy
          • Terms
          • Sitemap